A 79-year-old Rehoboth Beach man is dead and his 75-year-old wife is in critical condition following a July 4 pedestrian crash on State Route 1 in Dewey Beach.

According to the Delaware State Police, the crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. after the fireworks show as 25-year-old Matthew T. O’Connor of Washington, D.C. was operating a 2005 Lincoln Aviator southbound on State Route 1 and was preparing to merge into a turn lane south of Anchor Way. Police said Roy E. Love and Helene L. Love were crossing from the raised concrete median to the west side of State Route 1 southbound when they both stepped out into the left lane and were struck by the Lincoln.

The couple was transported to Beebe Medical Center where Roy Love was pronounced dead. Helene Love was air-lifted to Christiana Medical Center where she was listed in critical condition.

O’Connor, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash. He was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. O’Connor was released, but more charges may be forthcoming upon completion of the investigation.